The Dalmatian – Profile – Health – Dalmation Information you can use.
The Dalmatian
‘Fire House Dog’
Dig breed info
Dalmatian
Weight: 40 — 60 lbs
Height: 19” — 23”
AKC Rank 2008 #74
Lifespan: 12—14 yrs
Group Non-Sporting
Origin Yugoslavia
Dog Breed Info – The Dalmatian
This Dalmatian is running and seen with one paw flat on the ground.
Breed Overview
Origin: Ancient times. Original function: Carriage dog. Today, Companion dog.
The actual origin of the Dalmetian and how it evolved remains mostly unknown. The name comes from Dalmatia, Yugoslavia, but that’s not exactly where the breed started out according to history books. The “where” is unknown. This dog originally performed several jobs such as draft dog, shepherd, bird dog, retriever and as a circus act. The Dal was bred somewhere along the line to run fast and long to keep pace with carriages in England. As a Coach Dog, the Dal was to guard the horses from vicious dogs and add class to the processions. The idea was that the dogs would run alongside or under the carriages or coaches and perform their duties. When the automobile came along, the need for dogs dropped off but it continued as a Coach Dog for horse-drawn fire engines. Thus, it was adopted as the “fire-dog.” The Dal was AKC accepted in 1888 but has had only moderate popularity since.
Yes, very trainable. Needs a firm hand and lots of training from a young pup on. They have been trained and used in the circus and as search/rescue dogs as well as guard dogs. Most effective method is the use of clicker training and positive reinforcement. If you are going to get one of these dogs, I’d invest the $3 in a clicker and use it!
Crate Training
Want to crate train your Dalmatian puppy? It’s easy and if you’re interested, take a look and you’ll see what to do. Crate training your puppy will save many headaches and problems.
Potty Training
Most Dalmatians are pretty easy to house train, potty train, toilet train, housebreak or whatever you want to call it. If you have a puppy, decide if you want to crate or paper potty train it. For the best results, we have a page at Crate vs Paper Potty Trainingwhich will help you decide and from there you can get all the information you need to get the job done. Always praise the pup profusely when she goes potty in the RIGHT PLACE so she knows she has done a good thing. Either method will work for this breed.
If you have an older dog, take the dog outside every two hours until she gets the idea which door leads to her potty area. Older dogs catch on to the potty or housebreaking pretty fast once they are shown what to do.
It’s nap time for this fire-house dog!
These dogs were bred to run for miles at a stretch. They have the energy, stamina and enthusiasm. It is a playful companion that needs extra hard daily exercise. Give this dog enough exercise and he is well behaved and quiet in the home. Keep him on leash. He may be aggressive toward strange dogs. The Dalmatian is pretty good with other pets. This breed may be too energetic for young children. It can be stubborn.
If you happen to get a Dalmatian with a separation anxiety problem, that can be dealt with by investing a few hours of work on your part and some “tough love.”
Friendly Toward Other Dogs
Is wary of other dogs. Chooses his dog friends and can be aggressive.
Friendly Toward Other Pets
Best if raised with other pets, but is a good family dog and fits in.
Friendly Toward Strangers
Fair. Dalmatians are protective of family and can be cautious about strangers.
Yes, quite playful.
Yes, extremely affectionate. Loves family. Needs lots of attention and companionship and gives same in return.
Yes, as a rule, especially if they grow up with the children from puppyhood. But, the breed can be too energetic for really young kids.
Good with Seniors over 65?
No, needs too much exercise.
Living environment
Apartment or condo is okay as long as the dog gets outside for all the exercise he needs. The Dalmatian also needs a soft bed and can not tolerate too much cold weather.
A medium size, fenced yard would be a plus where he could play fetch with a ball for exercise.
High energy, very active.
Dalmatians Need lots of exercise. Ideal jogging partner! Long walks, lengthy games of fetch in the yard, anything to tire this guy out will help keep him out of trouble. If not tired out, he can get into things that you won’t appreciate.
Good. Best if trained.
Brushing with a stiff bristle brush 3 to 4 times a week will help remove dead hair, especially while shedding. If you see skin “flaking” in dry weather, see you vet for treatment. Your dog will appreciate the attention. Top
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3rd book from the left is “101 Dog Tricks” which offers a lit of mental stimulation for your dog. There are things for him to learn in this book I had never dreamed of! It’s a lot of fun.
In the event you decide to go looking for Dalmatian puppies, be SURE to find reputable breeders that really know what they are doing. Be sure the puppy has been well socialized and started in obedience training.
Dalmatian Breeders with puppies for sale.
Dalmatian Rescue
In the event you are seriously considering the adoption of an older dog and are looking for a Dalmatian Rescue group or groups in your state, here are several links that might help:
Petfinder – Dalmatian Rescue – (Nationwide) If you do adopt one, try to locate any dog health records for possible future reference.
Adopt A Pet This is an interesting site but if you don’t find what you want, surf online for Dalmatian Rescue (or Dalmatian Rescue) and also look for kennels, etc.
This is basically a healthy breed. Don’t let the list below scare you! Your own dog will probably never have ANY of these problems. These are dog illness and medical problems this breed is prone to that have been listed by various veterinarians at different times over the past decade or so and some pertain to puppies and very young dogs that a breeder would deal with.
The information contained herein has been gathered from numerous books by veterinarians and is intended as general information only. Every dog and situation is different. You must see your vet. Our information is for general interest only and not intended to replace the advice provided by your own veterinarian.
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Hip dysplasia – Hind end limping, back leg acts lame. Wear and time causes the femur to fit poorly into the pelvic socket with improper rotation causing great pain, lameness and difficulty walking for the Dalmatian. You may notice the dog “hopping”” like a rabbit when running plus hesitating to climb stairs, all due to pain in the hind quarters. The problem actually starts as a very young puppy with an abnormal formation of the hip joint and grows progressively. A vet can locate this with a diagnostics test.